Duck Hunting Essentials—A Complete List
Duck hunting requires hunters to continually improve technique whether calling or decoy placement, which is one reason many love waterfowl hunting. To have an enjoyable experience, it’s important to invest in high-quality gear, so our Hunting Experts share a complete list of their duck hunting essentials.
✔ Hunting License & ID
Before prepping your hunting gear, make sure you review any state and local laws and regulations. You can purchase your hunting license at your local SCHEELS.
✔ Shotgun & Ammo
Many hunters trust Benelli and Browning shotguns, along with a quality gun case for transport. To carry your shotgun when in the field, make sure to have a gun sling. Aside from prepping your shotgun, you want to have plenty of ammunition too.
Expert Advice | When choosing a shot size for waterfowl hunting, align it to the size of your targeted bird—duck or goose. A versatile size when duck hunting is a size 2 or 3. Along with shot size, you will need to consider shell length. The most popular shell lengths are 2 ¾ inch and 3 inch.
✔ Waterfowl-Specific Hunting Clothing
Wearing the proper layering system is important when duck hunting so you stay dry, warm, and comfortable—all while staying concealed from ducks overhead. Here are the basics for building your duck hunting clothing system:
- Hat
- Gloves: Waterfowl-specific gloves offer the right camo patterns and innovative designs that allow your hands to stay warm while being able to take an accurate shot. We suggest adding hand warmers for extra warmth!
- Face Mask / Neck Gaiter: These are great for warmth and concealment.
- Face Paint: This is important to reduce glare and break up your outline so you remain concealed.
- Base Layer Bottoms & Tops: This is your first layer and is important to trap and retain heat to keep you warm in damp weather.
- Mid-Layer: This is typically a vest or hoodie depending on temperature and preference. This layer is designed to provide more warmth.
- Jacket: An outer jacket is designed to protect from the elements as well as offer warmth and mobility.
- Pants
- Socks: Make sure to pack an extra pair of socks too. There’s nothing worse than wet socks and cold feet!
- Change of Clothes
✔ Waders
Waders are a must-have choice for duck hunters to wear because they provide waterproof protection and warmth. When you’re choosing a pair of duck hunting waders, it’s important to find a pair that matches your climate, and conditions, and fits properly. If you don’t plan on wading the marshes or wet areas, opting for a comfortable pair of hunting boots is another option.
✔ Duck Decoys & Decoy Bags
Duck decoys lure ducks into flying and landing near your duck blind so you can take your shot. Duck decoys come in two main types—floaters and spinners.
- Floaters: These decoys float on ponds and sloughs. Floaters come in full-body and half-body varieties to simulate feeding.
- Spinners: Spinner decoys are designed to add movement to your decoy spread for a more lifelike setup.
Make carrying your decoys to your hunting spot easy with a decoy bag. These are designed from durable materials to keep your decoys protected during transport and in storage.
✔ Duck Call
In addition to setting up your decoy spread, it’s important to use quality duck calls to draw them in. Depending on your location, species, and skill level, there is a best duck call for any situation.
✔ Duck Blinds
Built and designed with advanced camo patterns to blend into natural landscapes, waterfowl blinds keep you hidden until you’re ready to shoot. There are two main types of duck blinds: A-frame blinds and layout blinds.
- A-frame blinds are shaped like the letter “A” and allow you to sit and wait.
- Layout blinds are in a coffin style with you lying on the ground watching the sky.
Depending on how many people are hunting and your location, one may be better suited for you, but both styles offer excellent concealment.
✔ Blind Bag
There’s plenty of gear you need on your waterfowl hunt, so staying organized with a quality blind bag is important. Built from durable and water-resistant or waterproof materials along with plenty of secure pockets, these blind bags are designed for convenience when on the hunt.
Aside from ammo, calls, and your hunting license, our Experts suggest packing these other duck hunting essentials in your blind bag:
- GPS
- Knife
- Food and snacks
- Drinking water
- Multi-tool
- Headlamp
- First aid kit
✔ Dog Supplies
Not everyone goes out with their loyal hunting companion, but if you do hunt with your dog, make sure you have all the supplies they need to stay safe and be successful too!
Being well-prepared is key to a successful and enjoyable duck hunting experience. Having the right gear - from your shotgun and ammo to your waders and decoys - can make all the difference in the field. Before your next hunting trip, review our list of duck hunting essentials to ensure you have everything you need. If you have additional questions about preparing for the hunt, contact your local SCHEELS to speak with a Hunting Expert.
